DFW's Premier Trauma Instructors
ATLS
Examination
Practical Exam advice
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1. As you approach this Physical Exam, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and centre your focus at the task at hand.
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2. The coordinator will determine if you do the practical exam first, followed by a paper or vice versa.
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3. Officially there is no ACS time limit, Our expectation is that you complete the exam by saving the patients life between 7-15 minutes.
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4. Before approaching a patient who has suffered massive physical trauma in a practical medical exam, prioritise your mental preparedness.
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5. Take a moment to compose yourself and maintain a calm demeanour to provide reassurance to the patient.
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6. Briefly review the steps of the primary and secondary survey for trauma assessment to ensure a systematic approach.
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7. As you enter the room, introduce yourself confidently and empathetically, explaining your role and intentions clearly.
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8. Establish trust and rapport with the patient by acknowledging their distress and expressing your commitment to providing optimal care.
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9. Communicate effectively with the patient & examiner throughout the assessment, explaining procedures and obtaining consent when possible.
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10. Prioritize patient safety and prioritize interventions according to the ATLS way; ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach.
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11. Remain focused, organized, and compassionate, maintaining professionalism even in challenging situations.
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12. Remember, your thorough and compassionate approach can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome.
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13. Finally, remember that your worth as a physician is not solely determined by this exam. Stay positive, stay focused, and give it your best effort. You've got this!
Written Exam advice
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1. As you approach this Post-Test Exam, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and centre your focus at the task at hand.
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2. The coordinator will determine if you do the practical exam first, followed by a paper or vice versa.
3. Remind yourself off the extensive preparation you've done & the knowledge you possess.
4. Officially there is no ACS time limit, Our expectation is that you complete the exam swiftly, smoothly & with minimal disruption. The minimum required to pass is 75% or 30 out of 40.
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5. Quickly skim through the entire exam to get a sense of the structure and types of questions.
6. Identify any sections that seem particularly challenging or time-consuming, and plan your time accordingly.
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7. Prioritize answering questions you feel confident about first to build momentum and boost your confidence.
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8. Trust your instincts and avoid second-guessing yourself excessively.
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9. If you encounter difficult questions, don't dwell on them—mark them for review and move on.
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10. Maintain a steady pace throughout the exam, aiming to answer each question accurately but efficiently.
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11. Finally, remember that your worth as a physician is not solely determined by this exam. Stay positive, stay focused, and give it your best effort. You've got this!